TRENTON – New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today issued a Winter Weather Alert. Gov. Phil Murphy has declared a State of Emergency and the NJ State Police issued a commercial vehicle travel restriction, both taking effect at 3 p.m. today, due to the anticipated severity of today’s winter storm.

NJDOT is prepared and coordinating our response with our regional transportation partners to ensure the safety of all travelers. The Department activated our crews earlier today and has 2,500 plows and spreaders that are ready to clear State highways. The heaviest snow is expected overnight and into tomorrow morning, which may create challenging driving conditions for the morning commute.

The Department is reminding motorists:

AVOID UNNECESSARY TRAVEL during the storm

If road conditions deteriorate, GET OFF THE ROAD somewhere safe and wait it out

Always STAY CLEAR of plows and spreading trucks. If they are behind you,let them pass

DO NOT PASS between trucks that are in a plow formation

Be patient and use caution

Have a preparedness kit in your car with water, charged mobile phone, blanket, and snacks

Commercial Vehicle Travel Restriction The restriction in New Jersey applies to the entire length of the following roadways:

I-295

I-76

I-676

I-195

I-78

I-80

I-280

I-287

The restriction DOES NOT apply to:

New Jersey Turnpike

Garden State Parkway

Atlantic City Expressway

The commercial vehicle travel restriction in New Jersey applies to the following vehicles:

All tractor-trailers

Empty straight CDL-weighted trucks

Passenger vehicles pulling trailers

Recreational vehicles

Motorcycles

In order for NJDOT and our regional and local transportation partners to safely and efficiently clear roadways of snow and ice, motorists need to Clear the Roads so We Can Clear the Roads.

NJDOT will deploy our Incline Package assets on I-280 and I-78 at Jugtown mountain (between Exits 7 and 11), which includes pre-positioning towing assets, NJDOT Safety Service Patrol (SSP) trucks, and coordination with New Jersey State Police.

NJDOT will be using Variable Message Signs throughout the storm to provide updates. Once conditions improve, NJDOT will lift the Winter Weather Congestion Alert.

Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT's traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time travel information and for NJDOT news and updates follow us on the NJDOT Facebook page or on Twitter @NJDOT_info.